Virginia lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Virginia offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license: the fastest is online through the DMV website if your license is valid and not suspended; by mail if you prefer not to visit an office; or in person at any DMV location if you need it done when ready or your license has restrictions that prevent online changes.

The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days plus processing time. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to a DMV office during business hours.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — Virginia treats address changes as a separate transaction. Your license expiration date stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes cost nothing and take 10 minutes if your Virginia license is currently valid and not suspended.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and the new address to change your address online.
  • Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
  • In-person changes at a DMV office are same-day but require a valid ID and proof of your new address.
  • Virginia does not charge a fee for address changes on a valid license.

Changing your address online through the Virginia DMV website

Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV portal. Click "Change Address" under the "Licenses" section. You will be asked to log in or create an account if you do not have one already.

Enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license record. Review the information for accuracy, then enter your new address in full — street number and name, city, state, and ZIP code.

Confirm the address change and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

This method works only if your license is valid and not suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license status is anything other than valid, you must use the mail or in-person method.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the process for Duplicate License (Form DL-44) from the Virginia DMV website, or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to have one mailed to you. You do not need to explore for a duplicate — the form is also used for address changes.

Complete the form with your new address. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof document must match the name on your license.

Mail the completed form, copy of your license, and proof of address to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 27412 Richmond, VA 23269

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. There is no fee. Your updated license will be mailed to the new address you provided.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address to any Virginia DMV location. The proof document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

Walk in during regular business hours or schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com to avoid waiting. Tell the DMV representative you need an address change. They will update your record on the spot and issue a new license when ready if you are present.

There is no fee for the address change itself. If the DMV issues a replacement license on the same day, you will receive it before you leave the office. If you prefer to have it mailed, you can request that instead — it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What counts as proof of your new address

Virginia accepts these documents as proof of address:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
  • Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)

The document must show your full name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, a lease or purchase agreement with a future move-in date may work — ask the DMV office before you visit.

If you are moving to a new address but have not received mail there yet, bring the lease or deed along with a utility bill from your old address to show the DMV you are in transition. Some offices will accept this combination.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

If you change your address online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you change it by mail, add another 7 to 10 days for the DMV to receive and process your envelope — total time is roughly 2 to 3 weeks. If you change it in person, you can walk out with your new license the same day or request it be mailed.

Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. If your license expires in 2026, it still expires in 2026 after the address change.

Once your new license arrives, destroy or recycle your old one. You are not required to return it, but Virginia recommends destroying it to prevent identity theft. If you need to verify your address change before the new license arrives, you can print your confirmation number from the online transaction or keep the receipt from your mail-in or in-person visit.

Common mistakes that delay address changes

The most frequent error is submitting proof of address that is older than 60 days. Even if the document shows your correct new address, the DMV will reject it if it is dated before that window. Check the date on every document before you mail it or bring it to an office.

Another mistake is providing a document where the name does not match your license exactly. If your license says "Robert James Smith" but your utility bill says "R.J. Smith" or "Robert Smith," the DMV may ask for a different document. Bring a document that matches your license name precisely.

If you are changing your address online, do not assume your account is set up correctly. Test your login before you start the transaction. If you cannot log in, use the mail or in-person method instead — do not wait for a password reset if you are in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license when I move?

Virginia does not legally require you to update your address when ready, but you must notify the DMV within a reasonable time. Keeping an outdated address on your license can cause problems with traffic stops, vehicle registration renewals, and mail from the DMV. It is best to change it within 30 days of moving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

No, you cannot use the online method. You must go in person to a DMV office or mail in a form. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and be prepared to discuss the suspension or revocation status with the DMV representative.

What if I move out of state — do I need to change my Virginia address first?

No. When you move to another state, you will obtain a license in that state instead. You do not need to update your Virginia address before leaving. If you return to Virginia later, you can renew or reinstate your Virginia license at that time.

How long does a replacement license take if I request it by mail during an address change?

If you change your address by mail, the DMV processes your request and mails the new license within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your envelope. If you change it in person and request mail delivery, the new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit.

Can I use a PO box as my address on my Virginia license?

No. Virginia requires a physical street address on your driver's license. A PO box is not accepted as proof of residence and cannot be listed as your primary address on the license itself.